How to Enjoy Your Weekend without Wrecking Your Diet

As much as our bodies are our temples, come the weekend – and especially after a stressful week, we experience a heightened desire to sink a glass, or, several glasses of wine.

That said, we know that, on top of the health implications of drinking alcohol, the standard goblet of the golden stuff is an average of 230 calories.

Our advise?

Don’t skip workouts

Increase your calorie allowance by getting a good workout in, so you can enjoy your nights out with minimal guilt.

We consulted a number of our bartender friends on how you can keep the calories down when you hit the bar and club scene this weekend.

Here’s some of the best advice we received:

SAY YES TO … TEA MIXERS

One of the best mixers is tea. Chilled tea contains zero sugar and you can ask for added extra flavour from things like mint or vanilla.

Hibiscus (aka Zobo) Vodka, anyone?

SAY YES TO… SUGAR-FREE SPIRITS

Sugar and calories isn’t always down to the mixer; alcohol itself sometimes comes with added and natural sugar. However, a sugar-free spirit will help.

Whiskey, Vodka, Tequila, Rum are all sugar-free

SAY YES TO… BLENDED DRINKS

Drinks that keep real fruit in the mix have the added benefit of fibre, which helps your body metabolise the fructose more effectively.

A Piña Colada uses spiced rum, pineapple chunks, ice and coconut milk

SAY NO TO… FRUIT JUICE

Jam-packed with fructose, fruit juice will send your calorie count through the roof. There are about 12 teaspoons of sugar in an average glass of cranberry juice. And that’s not to mention the added sugar in most fruit juice cocktails.

SAY NO TO… SYRUP

Most of the syrups used in cocktails are nothing but pure sugar. Even if you’ve picked a healthier option like agave, it’s still 90% fructose. Give it the swerve.

SAY NO TO… THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Beer, wine, cider – these are all full of fat and sugar, if you’re trying to keep yourself in the healthier remits, we suggest steering clear.

Finally….

SAY YES TO… WATER

There’s nothing more calorie neutral than water. Not only that, but you won’t feel the ravages of dehydration – in other words, the hangover will not be as bad!

Enjoy your weekends, enjoy a drink or two if you’d like to, however be aware that a lot of alcohol will have harmful effects on both your health and your waistline, so we advise that you drink in moderation.